What You Need To Know About Erectile Dysfunction

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room — erections — the thing no one likes to talk about. For some of you, the thought of talking to somebody about your erection not working is incredibly uncomfortable. You may even get sweaty palms just thinking about it. Don’t worry, this reaction is normal. First, problems with erections are incredibly common: 49 percent of men over the age of 40 have erectile dysfunction (ED) while 10 percent of men under age 40 are affected.1,2 ED is something your family physician is well versed in and you should feel at ease talking about your erections, as you will be given excellent management options. That said, let’s explore ED, its risk factors, treatment options and what you can do to alleviate this condition.

Erectile Function and Dysfunction

Getting an erection can be the product of either tactile stimulation (touch) or psychogenic (your mind’s processing of sexual stimulation: visual, auditory, imaginative). Both mechanisms converge on the cavernosal nerve supplying the erectile bodies of the penis. Here, things get interesting.

The big picture – Tactile and psychogenic stimulation tells your penis “game on” and causes a series of molecules to be released causing more blood to flow into the penis and less blood to escape. The trapping of blood causes the pressure within the penis to increase. Eventually, this increased pressure results in the penis becoming erect, rigid and ready for prime time.

Five Reasons For Dysfunction

Mental State – Your mental wellbeing can impact bodily functions, including erections. Added stress at work, relationship challenges, depression, performance anxiety and lack of sexual arousability are all factors that can impact erections.3 There are a few theories about how this works. The brain’s resting state is sending signals to your penis to remain relaxed while you carry out your daily activities and this inhibition can become exaggerated. Or, an increase in anti-erection nerve (sympathetic nerves) activity overshadows the pro-erection nerves (para-sympathetic nerves).4

Vascular – The penile artery that carries blood into the penis can become diseased, thus reducing flow and function. Predisposing diseases include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking and pelvic trauma.3 Just like a leaky valve, the veins and smooth muscle within the penis can fail to trap blood, precluding production of the pressure needed for an erection. Predisposing conditions include diabetes, Peyronie’s disease (fibrosis of the penis often resulting in pain or curvature of the penis), traumatic injury or aging tissue.4 Vascular and psychological problems are the most common causes of ED.

Neurogenic – Conditions such as brain injuries, strokes, dementia and Parkinson’s disease can cause ED. Injuries, strokes or tumours of the spinal cord are also factors. Finally, peripheral nerves can be damaged by trauma, pelvic surgery or diabetes.8

Medications – Some psychiatric and blood pressure medications can negatively impact erections. Examples include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers and diuretics. In some circumstances, alternative medications may be available that allow more favourable erectile function. This should be discussed with your prescribing physician. Other drugs with potential negative impact include anti-testosterone medications and cimetidine. Moderate to high alcohol intake, smoking and marijuana may also contribute to ED.3

Medical Conditions – Diabetes is a significant factor, with 50 percent of sufferers also experiencing ED.9 Other conditions contributing to ED are chronic kidney disease, heart disease, low testosterone and high prolactin levels.3

ED’s Dark Secret

Men with erectile dysfunction have nearly 2.5 times the risk of having undiagnosed diabetes compared to men with normal erectile function. This means that one in 10 men with ED has undiagnosed diabetes.10 We also know that, among men whose ED has vascular origins, they have a 65 percent greater risk of coronary artery disease or stroke after 10 years, with cardiac disease occurring within three years of ED onset. 11, 12 Experts believe ED precedes heart disease because both originate with blood vessel disease, often caused by smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, poor diet or lack of exercise. The vessels in the penis are smaller than those in the heart, therefore, symptoms show up earlier. Thus, ED is an important marker of your vascular health and should be checked out by your physician.

Treatment Options

Oral Medications – These pills are your first-line treatment options: Sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), Tadalifil (Cialis) and Avanafil (Stendra). They have been rigorously tested. A recent study summarizing 118 clinical trials with more than 31,000 patients found these medications result in significantly better erectile function.13 The results show that 28 percent more men have erections firm enough to penetrate their partner and an additional 36 percent of men maintain their erections to orgasm.13 Men with diagnosed heart disease must speak to their doctor before using these medications, which are dangerous when taken with nitroglycerin.

Intraurethral or Injections – Other options include placing a small pellet of medication in the opening of the penis — called MUSE therapy. Seventy percent of men are able to achieve an erection with this treatment.14 Or, a small injection can be placed at the base of the penis, which may help up to 90 percent of men attain erections.15

Vacuum – Other options include vacuum therapy, when a pump is placed over the penis, drawing blood into it. A band is then placed at the base of the penis to keep it erect.

Surgery – For men with ED that hasn’t been alleviated by such treatments, a penile prosthesis can produce an erection with the touch of a pump hidden in the scrotum.

What can you Do?

See your Doctor – There are excellent treatment options; you and your physician can find ones that work best for you. Your doctor will check for medical conditions associated with ED: diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and hormone imbalance. Catching such conditions early prevents your overall health from deteriorating.

Diet – If food is healthy for your heart, it’s also healthy for your penis. There is evidence that the Mediterranean diet — rich in fresh vegetables, healthy oils, and fish — supports cardiovascular health.16 It is reasonable that such a diet also helps prevent ED and it is my opinion that natural, whole foods — eaten in in moderation — is a good lifestyle strategy. If you are overweight, however, various diets that help you lose the pounds will improve erectile function.17

Weight Control – Men who are overweight have higher rates of ED and men who lose weight have improved erectile function.17,18

Exercise – Men who exercise at least moderately have a 40-60 percent risk reduction in ED.19 Strive to exercise more than 2.5 hours every week.23 Men aged 45-60 with severe ED had an 83 percent reduction in symptoms when they starting exercising five to six hours a week.20 This may be even more important if you have other health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.21,22 Talk to your physician before embarking on an ambitious exercise regime.

ED is common among men but is commonly not spoken about. Addressing this problem with your doctor early on can get you back in the game and potentially identify undiagnosed medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight and exercising will not only help strengthen your erections but make you feel better overall.